Energy-absorbing textile material

Abstract

A textile material exhibiting enhanced energy absorption (e.g., enhanced near-infrared energy absorption) and, optionally, flame resistance. The textile material comprises a textile substrate and a finish disposed on at least one surface of the textile substrate. The finish comprises a binder and an energy-absorbing agent. A method for protecting an individual from infrared radiation that can be generated during an arc flash comprises the step of positioning a textile material between an individual and an apparatus capable of producing an arc flash.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This patent application relates to treated textile materials that provide protection from near-infrared radiation, such as that emitted by arc flashes.BACKGROUND[0002]An arc flash (or arc blast) is a type of electrical discharge resulting from a low impedance connection to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. In particular, the arc flash is produced by an electrical breakdown of the resistance of air which occurs when there is sufficient voltage in an electrical system and a path to ground or lower voltage. An arc flash typically releases a massive amount of energy that vaporizes metal conductors in the electrical system, blasting molten metal and expanding plasma outward from the source, and produces a shock wave due to the rapid heating of the gases in the vicinity. The arc flash and the metal plasma produced by the flash rapidly release tremendous amounts of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light energy ranging from infrar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]In a first embodiment, the invention provides a textile material exhibiting enhanced energy absorption (e.g., enhanced infrared or near-infrared energy absorption) and, optionally, flame resistance. This enhanced energy absorption is believed to make the textile material suitable for use in protecting individuals from the infrared radiation generated by an electric arc flash. In this embodiment, the textile material comprises a textile substrate and a finish disposed on at least one surface of the textile substrate. The textile substrate comprises a plurality of first yarns disposed in a first direction in the textile substrate and a plurality of second yarns disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first yarns and the second yarns can be provided in a woven pattern selected from the group consisting of basket weaves, sateen weaves, satin weaves, rip-stop weaves, and twill weaves. The textile substrate can comprise about 30% or more by weight inherent flame resistant fibers. The finish disposed on the surface of the textile substrate comprises a binder and at least one energy-absorbing agent. The energy-absorbing agent can be selected from the group consisting of pigments, vat dyes, and combinations thereof. The energy-absorbing agent exhibits an absorbance of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength of 1,000 nm (A1000), an absorbance of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength of 800 nm (A800), and an absorbance of electromagnetic radiation within the range of wavelengths from 400 nm to 700 nm. The absorbance of electromagnetic radiation within the range of wavelengths from 400 nm to 700 nm also has a maximum (Avis max). The result of dividing the absorbance at 800 nm by the maximum absorbance within the range of 400 nm to 700 nm (i.e., A800 / Avis max) can be about 0.3 or more, and the result of dividing the absorbance at 1,000 nm by the maximum absorbance within the range of 400 nm to 700 nm (i.e., A1000 / Avis max) can be about 0.1 or more.

Problems solved by technology

An arc flash typically releases a massive amount of energy that vaporizes metal conductors in the electrical system, blasting molten metal and expanding plasma outward from the source, and produces a shock wave due to the rapid heating of the gases in the vicinity.

For example, the infrared radiation generated during an arc flash can cause severe burns to the unprotected or underprotected skin of individuals in the vicinity of the arc flash.

However, suits made from such heavy fabrics often become uncomfortable when worn for prolonged periods of time owing, at least in part, to the low air permeability of the heavy fabrics.